BOONE—Dr. Sheri N. Everts, the incoming chancellor of Appalachian State University, praised the state’s support of higher education and the university’s commitment to undergraduate education during her acceptance remarks following election as the university’s next chancellor.

Everts, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Illinois State University since 2008, was elected chancellor of Appalachian by the Board of Governors of the 17-campus University of North Carolina during a special meeting of the board Wednesday, March 19.

Everts will assume her new duties July 1, succeeding Dr. Kenneth E. Peacock, who announced last April that he would step down this year after a decade in the post.

“I am very excited to accept the honor of serving Appalachian State University,” Everts said. “I am also honored to join the University of North Carolina team with its premier national reputation for affordability in excellence in higher education. The support for higher education in North Carolina is noteworthy, from the state government as well as the UNC system leadership team, the Board of Governors and the citizens of North Carolina. I am truly humbled and grateful for the trust you have placed in me.”

In recommending Everts to the Board of Governors, UNC President Tom Ross said, “Sheri Everts brings to the task two decades of academic and leadership experience at highly respected public universities. At each step along the way, she has proven herself to be an energetic and effective leader who encourages creative problem-solving, promotes collaboration and inclusiveness, and demonstrates a passionate commitment to academic excellence and student success. She has also earned a reputation for great integrity, sound judgment, and a strong commitment to community engagement, outreach and partnership.”

Everts spoke to Chancellor Peacock’s accomplishments during his 10-year tenure and his stature on campus. “Following a talented and wildly popular chancellor may seem a daunting task, but I would offer that I am very fortunate to be able to build on the strength of the Peacock legacy,” she said. “The Appalachian State family, the App State tradition of excellence in undergraduate experience will go forward. I know we will work together to transition in order to continue to build upon the strengths of Appalachian State and continue the focus on students and their successes.”

A Nebraska native who attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, Everts graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in English instruction and secondary education. After teaching middle school and high school English in Kansas and Nebraska, she returned to UNL, where she earned a master’s degree in literacy education and English (1991) and a doctorate in administration, curriculum, and instruction (1994).

Everts began her higher education career in 1994 as an assistant professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Rising through the academic and administrative ranks at UNO, she was named assistant vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in 2000, promoted to associate vice president in 2003, and named interim senior vice chancellor for academic and student affairs in 2006. She served in that interim capacity until June 30, 2008, when she left Nebraska to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at Illinois State University.